Last year in the UK 15,000 people took a driving test with an interpreter for the driver being tested, why?

Answer 1

I dunno. is it because the signs in your country are so complicated that you have to be a native English speaker to drive?

Cripes, I was able to get around in Japan just fine with limited Japanese reading ability, no English signs, and having to drive on the left! Same goes for driving in Quebec with no French or Mexico with limited Spanish. No big deal.

Seriously, next time you go out, look at he actual size of the vocabulary that you need to read the signs where you are. I bet it is less then 100 words other then place names.

Then take a look at the writing systems of the immigrants and see if they don't already include English letters for various uses, like place names.

Then see f the signs which require actual vocabulary are not already indicated by the color and placement to make it even simpler ("No Parking", "Speed Limit", etc.), the worst that can happen is someone is unclear on a complex No Parking sign, hardly a reason to deny someone a license.

Personally, and we see the same thing where at times, I feel sorry for the folks in your country if you think English is really necessary at all to drive, because it isn't. Driving is pretty much the same anywhere.

Suggesting otherwise as a way put people down only tattoos you as a xenophobe and is transparent to citizens of the world.

Answer 2

The interpreter is obviously to interpret the examiner, not the road signs, but

I disagree with the suggestion that the local language is not necessary. How about text-only signs like "Road Closed", "Police Accident", "Diversion", "Danger" or "No traffic control for an hour because Fred has gone for a smoke break".

I find it difficult enough to travel in Poland on trams. I wouldn't think of driving there, but many lorry drivers drive in other countries with no understanding of the language.

Answer 3

Because they can't speak English at all and for some reason the Examiner gives directions for the interpreter to relay to the pupil, I have been a Driving Instructor for over 20 years and I don't even teach people that can't speak English

Answer 4

Because it takes a higher ability in English to understand spoken instructions than simple written English on street signs!

Answer 5

Because they don't speak English? I agree it's not right drivers don't speak English but many people hire/drive cars abroad on holiday with no test in that country - but that's alright?

Answer 6

Because certain foreign nationals are given free driving tuition and tests to help them find employment as van drivers etc.

Answer 7

Judging by the standard of English in Yahoo Answers, I'd guess that most of them were English born & bred.

Answer 8

Indeed why?The highway code is written in English,Most of the road signs are English,How are these new drivers going to find their way round.?And don't say sat navs,Because they are English as well.

Answer 9

'Cause they don't know English well, for sure they understand the signs (they have to if the want to pass), the interpreter is just to understand the languange, not the driving code.

Answer 10

Maybe they have licenses with restrictions such as "Must have interpreter in car while driving to read the stop signs and the street signs." If not it sounds insane.